About Fernando Rodriguez

Fernando Rodriguez is a freelance writer who has written more than 100 articles about Los Cabos for regional travel guides like iCabo and Cabo Exclusive. A Los Cabos resident for over three years, Fernando is also the creator of the well-regarded comic book series, Aztec of the City. For more information about his work, visit www.aztecofthecity.com or his Facebook Page.

Baja Skinny: A Local Answers Frequently Asked Questions About Cabo San Lucas

A view of Cabo San Lucas from Land’s End. Image: Camilla Fuchs

Los Cabos is one of North America’s top resort destinations, and anyone who has spent even a few hours in Cabo San Lucas can rattle off the names of top local attractions like Cabo Wabo, The Arch, and Lover’s Beach. Despite the area’s popularity with Americans and Canadians, however, and familiar sights like English language signs and sports bars showing the latest football and hockey games, tourists should always be aware that they’re not in Kansas (or Calgary) anymore! This is Mexico, and many things that you take for granted back home may be done a bit differently south of the border.

As a courtesy for visitors or potential visitors to our Land’s End paradise, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cabo San Lucas.

Will my cell phone work in Cabo San Lucas?

When visitors arrive in Cabo, they will find that their American (and Canadian) cell phones function in Los Cabos as easily as they do in their native countries, albeit with more expensive international roaming or international text charges. It’s best to make arrangements with your specific cell phone carriers about adding international calls or texts during your stay in Baja. Cell phone signals are pretty consistent in Cabo and it is well worth getting a Mexico plan through your carrier. Long distance calls average $1 U.S. per minute, and the minutes add up rather quickly when you’re talking to friends and family back home about your stay in Los Cabos.

A view of the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Image: Wyndham Los Cabos

How do I make a local phone call? International?

Making local calls can be done from your hotel or resort by simply dialing the phone number of any restaurant or business using Los Cabos’ (624) area code, unless one is trying to reach a local Mexican cell phone number. If that is the case, you need to dial 044, which indicates that you’re calling a Mexican cell phone, followed by the (624) area code and 7 digit number. In order to make an international call back to the USA or Canada, you need to dial (001) first, then follow that up with the appropriate regional area code and phone number.

Is there internet access in Cabo San Lucas?

There is plenty of internet access throughout Los Cabos. Some hotels and resorts offer complimentary Wi-Fi, while others will charge $10-12 U.S. per day. Many other hotels and resorts have a free Wi-Fi location somewhere on their premises. Some specific places in Cabo that offer free Wi-Fi are fast food restaurants (Burger King and McDonald’s) and coffee houses (Starbuck’s, Cabo Coffee Company, and Cabo Bakery), as well as most bars and restaurants along the Marina and in the downtown area (Baja Peppers, Cabo Lounge, Cabo Blue, Solomon’s Landing, Cabo Cantina, Mango Deck, and Baja Brewing Company). The air-conditioned Puerto Paraiso Mall at the Marina is one area that has been designated by the local government as a free Wi-Fi zone.

What if I have an emergency?

There are many clinics open in Los Cabos that readily accept American and Canadian health insurance, although many do require cash payments. There are also local doctors who will make emergency ”house” calls to any resorts or hotel for a fee. First aid is available at every hotel and resort, and there are several Mexican hospitals in the downtown area (Ameri-Med, Blue Medical Net, and Catholic Hospital). SkyMed is a private insurance company that specializes in evacuating injured visitors back to their country of origin in the event of a medical emergency.

The Bi-national Emergency Medical Care Committee (BEMCC) helps Americans get out of Mexico as fast as possible, sometimes within hours for people with serious medical emergencies. Their U.S. (San Diego area) phone number with bilingual operators is (619) 425-5080.

Los Cabos boasts a number of top ranked golf courses. Image: Diamante

How do I reach the police? Fire department? Consulates?

Visitors can contact the police and fire department by dialing 066, which is Mexico’s equivalent of calling 911. Unlike 911, however, the operators who answer will not speak English. Local officials in Los Cabos have opened a special district attorneys’ branch (Ministerio Publico) in the Puerto Paraiso Mall dedicated to handling reported crimes against tourists such as automobile accidents in rental cars, stolen purses or credit cards, and bribe attempts by local police. The office’s English speaking staff is available from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and their phone number is (624) 355-8662.

The American Consulate offices have moved from the Marina in Cabo San Lucas to the Shoppes at Palmilla in San Jose del Cabo. Their office hours are from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and their office number is (624) 143-3566. The Consulate may also be reached by email by contacting Consular Agent Benjamin Krueger at usconsulcabo@yahoo.com.

The Canadian Consulate Offices are located near Costco, and can be reached at (624) 142-4333, or via email at lcabo@international.gc.ca

What do I do if I need medical care?

There are many medical care specialists in Los Cabos – including dermatologists, dentists, chiropractors, plastic surgeons, psychotherapists, and pediatricians – and most are listed online.

Pharmacies often have a doctor onsite that can diagnose and prescribe any medications needed.

Will my ATM card work at banks in Cabo San Lucas?

There are ATM cash machines located virtually everywhere in San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, with currency available in pesos or dollars (both of which are happily accepted in Cabo). In addition to the local fee, you may also be charged a fee by your bank at home. Speaking of banks, all of the major ones in Los Cabos have onsite ATMs, including Banorte, Bancomer, Banamex, Santander, Scotia Bank, and HSBC.

A camel tour along the shores of the Pacific Ocean north of Cabo San Lucas. Image: Cabo Adventures

Will businesses accept my credit card in Cabo San Lucas?

Most places in Los Cabos accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit and debit cards, although smaller businesses may only accept cash. Discover credit cards are still not honored in Mexico.

How do I get Mexican pesos?

All ATMs in Baja California offer peso or dollar options when selecting the type of currency desired. Bright red and yellow colored Oxxo convenience stores, Mexico’s version of 7-11, are located on almost every block, offer current money exchange rates, and will accept up to $50 U.S. in return for change in Mexican pesos. Exchange rates vary daily, and are posted in big letters on signs in their store windows.

Can I pay in U.S. dollars?

Everyone in Los Cabos will accept American dollars, but not Canadian currency. Coins like quarters, nickels, and dimes are also not accepted. Because all taxis will quote fares in dollars it is almost better to pay them in U.S. currency in order to avoid haggling over the exchange rate. Exchange rates will vary at different bars, restaurants, and shops, with most of them set at 12 pesos to the dollar. Others charge 11.5, 11, or an even 10 pesos exchange to the dollar. The best way to needlessly lose money to exchange rates is simply to pay in the currency advertised. If a bar is offering two beers for $3, pay in dollars. If a t-shirt is selling for 100 pesos, pay in pesos.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula. We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels, vacation rentals and activities, as well as guides, maps, complete event calendars and great stories about incredible travel destinations, from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas. We also provide free personal travel consulting, planning and booking services in Los Cabos, Todos Santos and La Paz, with prices that match or are below best advertised price. For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411 or email us at info@baja.com.

After the heat and humidity of September, October traditionally marks the return of milder weather to Cabo San Lucas. The month also signifies the start of tourist season, with several high-profile events drawing large numbers of visitors to the southernmost point of the Baja peninsula. This year’s big four are in a certain sense emblematic of why Cabo became popular in the first place: Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament showcases the area’s natural beauty and world-class conditions for big-game sportfhishing; the Cabo Comedy Festival brings a little Hollywood star power (as does next month’s Baja International Film Festival); and both Sammy Hagar’s yearly birthday bash and the annual Pimp N’ Ho Costume Ball, held each year around Halloween, highlight Cabo’s “anything goes” nightlife scene.

Cabo Comedy Festival

The first annual Cabo Comedy Festival is the “new kid on the block,” and runs from Wednesday, October 2nd, until Sunday, October 6th. Billed as “where the land ends and the laughter begins,” the inaugural festival is hosting an all-star line-up of comedians at three different venues in downtown San Lucas; Desperado’s, Hard Rock Cafe, and the Pink Kitty nightclub. The most highly recognized comedians scheduled to appear are Paul Rodriguez (Juan in a Million, AKA Pablo), Carlos Alazraqui (Reno 911), Bobby Slayton, Kevin Meaney, John Mendoza, and Kevin Pollak. Admission is $20 U.S. per show, or $175 for an all-access pass.

Sammy Hagar’s Birthday Bash at Cabo Wabo Cantina

The popular Sammy Hagar Birthday Bash at Cabo Wabo, immediately follows the Comedy Fest, with the red haired rock and roll star’s first performance scheduled for Monday, October 7th. Hagar will be celebrating his 65th birthday this fall, and will be joined onstage by an assortment of special guest stars, as has been the case every year since 1992. Scheduled to share the Cabo Wabo Cantina stage with Sammy during the other concert dates – October 9th, 11th, and Sunday the 13th – are Chickenfoot band mates Chad Smith, Michael Anthony, and Joe Satriani., as well as Billy Duffy of The Cult, and Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains.

Tickets for the famous Birthday Bash are distributed to the general public through a lottery, the deadline of which has already passed. The only type of tickets still available are dinner show combo packages sold at Cabo Wabo on a first come, first serve basis for selected dates. This year, those tickets are being made available fo the shows on October 7th, 9th, 10th and 11th, and cost $90.

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament

Bisbee’s Black and Blue, also known as the world’s richest fishing tournament, starts on Tuesday, October 22nd, and ends Saturday, October 26th. The Black and Blue was started in 1981 by Bob Bisbee, and has grown over the past 32 years from a purse of just $10,000 to today’s multi-million dollar payouts. Wayne Bisbee, his family, and dedicated sponsors have turned this once humble event into the Super Bowl of big-game sportfishing. Over its three decades in Baja California Sur, Bisbee’s has given out over $60 million in prize money.

The event’s record fish are a 993 pound blue marlin caught by angler Rocky Gentile of the Tollycraft team, and a 645 pound black marlin brought in by a female angler, Martha Mcnab, from Balboa Island in California. Minute by minute scoring and weigh-ins are broadcast live over the internet at select websites.

Pimp N’ Ho Costume Ball

Last in the October line-up of fabulous festivities is the 15th Annual Pimp N’ Ho Costume Ball, which takes place on the night of Saturday, October, 26th. The Pimp N’ Ho rotates its venues, and this year’s bash take place at the renovated Baja Junkie, located next door to local party landmark El Squid Roe.

Entrance to this risque party, which always boasts several Hollywood stars in attendance, is limited to 200 men and 400 seductively costumed ladies. The men pay $150 per ticket, while the ladies dish out a mere $50 dollars for sexy festivities and free premium cocktails from 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. A $1,000 dollar cash prize will be awarded to the ”sexiest ho”’ costume. Tickets are on a first come, first serve basis and doors will close once the party has been sold out.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula. We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels, vacation rentals and activities, as well as guides, maps, complete event calendars and great stories about incredible travel destinations, from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas. We also provide free personal travel consulting, planning and booking services in Los Cabos, Todos Santos and La Paz, with prices that match or are below best advertised price. For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411 or email us at info@baja.com.